Christine Varney is working to bridge the cultural gap that separates Silicon
Valley from the Beltway. A former Clinton White House adviser, Varney served
as a federal trade commissioner until late last year, when she returned
to the private sector. As a lawyer at Hogan & Hartson, she guides clients
such as Netscape through Washington's regulatory labyrinths and heads up
the firm's Internet Practice Group.

On the side, she's leveraging her contacts and experience to help high
tech companies, public interest groups, and government officials work together
more effectively. Last December, she chaired the three-day Internet Online
Summit, which focused on child safety. The event was contentious but productive
- largely as a result of Varney's diplomatic acumen. "I'm comfortable in
this role," she says. "I'm an honest broker, a straight shooter, and a
tough negotiator."